Herbed Cheese Quick Bread ๐
Overview:
This Herbed Cheese Quick Bread is a delightful treat, perfect for Christmas morning or any occasion when you crave a savory, freshly baked loaf. Bursting with the savory goodness of fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese, this bread is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total baking time of 45 minutes, this recipe is quick and easy to make, allowing you to enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups white flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Lightly oil a loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white flour, whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Add Herbs and Cheese: Add the chopped fresh chives, parsley, thyme leaves, and dill to the dry ingredients. Mix in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, beat the egg and milk together until well combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the egg and milk mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
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Transfer to Loaf Pan: The batter will be stiff, but this is normal for quick bread. Use a spatula to transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the back of the spatula.
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Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top of the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes on a wire rack. Afterward, carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to the wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible aroma and flavor of this Herbed Cheese Quick Bread.
Tips and Variations:
- Herb Substitutions: While the recipe calls for fresh chives, parsley, thyme, and dill, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs such as rosemary, basil, or oregano to suit your taste preferences.
- Cheese Options: If sharp cheddar cheese is not available, you can substitute it with your favorite cheese variety, such as Gruyรจre, Swiss, or even crumbled feta for a tangy twist.
- All-Purpose Flour: If you prefer, you can use 2 cups of all-purpose flour instead of a combination of white and whole wheat pastry flour.
- Serving Suggestions: This Herbed Cheese Quick Bread pairs perfectly with a bowl of hot soup, a crisp green salad, or simply enjoyed on its own with a smear of butter or cream cheese.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 304.4
- Fat Content: 11.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 7g
- Cholesterol Content: 69.2mg
- Sodium Content: 580.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 36g
- Fiber Content: 2.2g
- Sugar Content: 2.6g
- Protein Content: 13.8g
Conclusion:
With its flavorful combination of fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese, this Herbed Cheese Quick Bread is a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or toasted with your favorite toppings, this savory bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Experiment with different herb and cheese combinations to customize the flavor to your liking, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of homemade bread.
